Scrutiny Intensifies over West Midlands Police’s Intelligence on Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans

Members of Parliament have called for West Midlands Police (WMP) to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding allegedly exaggerated intelligence that resulted in the decision to prohibit Israeli fans from attending their club’s match against Aston Villa.

A report published in the Sunday Times claimed that the WMP had overstated the threat posed by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans prior to the match scheduled for November 6, referencing violence associated with a previous match in the Netherlands last year.

In response, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that unless WMP could provide a valid justification, Chief Constable Craig Guildford should consider resigning. Home Office Minister Sarah Jones confirmed she had reached out to Guildford for clarification.

WMP defended its assessment, asserting that the police strategy was “proportionate.” According to the Sunday Times report, an intelligence document cited by the police claimed that some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were “highly organised, skilled fighters” with a strong intent to confront police and rival groups.

The report also alleged that 500 to 600 fans had targeted Muslim communities in Amsterdam, with claims that fans had been thrown into a river, a statement denied by Dutch authorities.

During an urgent question session in the Commons, Conservative MP Nick Timothy urged for the release of all intelligence material related to the ban and the evidence considered by Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which imposed restrictions on away fans for the match.

Philp urged the government to hold WMP accountable, asserting, “The Maccabi fans were not skilled and organised fighters — it was just fabricated.” The minister indicated that she had contacted WMP to investigate the allegations, and stated that the Home Office had requested His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a broader review of safety assessment procedures.

She mentioned that the police were conducting a debrief of the events leading up to the match and would publish a timeline detailing the decisions taken and the rationale provided to the SAG.

In response to the claims made in the Sunday Times, a spokesperson for WMP stated, “West Midlands Police’s evaluation was primarily based on information and intelligence focused on public safety.”

The police evaluated the fixture between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam as having involved significant public disorder, stating that they met with Dutch police on October 1, where relevant information regarding the 2024 fixture was exchanged.

The police concluded that a subset of Maccabi fans posed a “credible threat to public safety” and affirmed, “We are satisfied that the policing strategy and operational plan were effective, proportionate, and maintained the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”